p. 19 | From Book to Building by P. T. Magan

Review and Herald Publishing Assn. · Washington, D.C. · Dec 31, 1903

From Book to Building

By P. T. Magan

At the opening of the first Sabbath of the week of prayer, it was our privilege to hold our first service in the new Study Hall Building, at the Emmanuel Missionary College.

A deep sense of the sacredness of the place pervaded every heart. All were happy in the thought that this building, which has been erected for the teaching of the holy message committed to our trust, is almost entirely the handiwork of young men who are preparing for the gospel ministry,—young soldiers of the cross who have dedicated the intelligent service of their hands, as well as of their hearts, to the cause of the Master.

Most buildings are ultimately erected on a much more elaborate scale than at first planned. Different tastes and supposed wants are gratified by the addition of this and that convenience, until the final cost far exceeds the first estimates.

In the case of the Study Hall, this rule was reversed. The first plans for the building were almost double in size those ultimately adopted. First, one unnecessary addition was dispensed with, then another convenience which we had supposed we could not possibly do without, until a plain rectangular building, one hundred and fifteen feet six inches long by forty-four feet ten inches wide, remained. The very experiences through which we have passed have only served to make its walls and halls more dear.

For months our little band had toiled and watched the building rise. First the architect’s plans had to be made. Should we hire an architect, or do the work ourselves? The plans were finally drawn by Brother A. S. Baird, who has charge of our mechanical industries. The work was done in and with the mechanical drawing class. Then came the making of the blue prints. Under Brother Baird’s direction this work was accomplished entirely by the young men. The fine work on these has been commented upon by a number of men who from time to time have come here to sell us material.

Next came the cement walls for the basement, and then the frame superstructure. God’s eye was upon it all, and inexperienced as our boys were, no lives were lost, and no one was seriously hurt, while the construction proceeded.

It seemed impossible to hire mechanics to put on the heavy concealed gutters or to install the furnace heating plant. The heating plant we finally installed ourselves entirely by student labor, and we are glad to state that it gives better satisfaction than any other on the premises, and cost us between four and five hundred dollars less than any firm would have installed it; and, with the exception of the chapel ceiling, the building was plastered entirely by student hands.

There is no disposition on the part of young men to mar buildings which they themselves have erected. This work stimulates dignity and sobriety of character. And we know that as these young men go forth to distant mission lands, they will be independent and self-reliant, able to grapple with the practical problems of life.

To God we give the glory that this building has been erected by student hands whose hearts and characters have been built up in the knowledge of him who does all things well.

As yet the Emmanuel Missionary College has no dormitories in which to house the students. We expect to build simple cottages for this purpose. And daily our prayers are ascending to God that the hearts of our brethren and sisters may be moved upon to take up the precious ministry of selling “Christ’s Object Lessons,” thus watering their own hearts, leading souls to the kingdom, and causing means to flow into the College treasury for the purpose named.

As we view the buildings already erected, our hearts well up in gratitude to God. It is money derived from the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” that has put them up. We think of the prayers which have ascended from the trembling hearts of our dear brethren and sisters who in their inexperience have gone forth from the simple duties of home and field and shop, and entered upon the ministry of canvassing for “Christ’s Object Lessons.”

In the vision of the mind we can see young men and women who have never yet had the advantage of training in our schools, thus beginning their warfare for Jesus Christ and the cause of his kingdom here on earth. We can see devoted husbands and fathers, wholly unaccustomed to canvassing, leaving their daily toil and going forth in the strength of Emmanuel, to invade the kingdom

of the adversary, carrying the truth to those who know it not, and at the same time providing the means that a home may be built for their sons and daughters.

We can see frail and timid mothers who have never done such work before, leaving their families and firesides and going forth to sell the precious page. And even once again as we think of the aged and infirm who have long waited for the coming of their Lord and Master, and know that they have loyally borne their part in this campaign of heaven’s giving, we can only say with one of old, “What hath God wrought!”

Amen and amen. God’s plan for raising the money to build this school has endeared it and his dear people who have labored so faithfully, to the hearts of all who labor here. It is, as has been promised, “unifying the churches.”

In God’s name let us go forward with this good work. Never, never must we weary of well-doing till the day is done, the victory won. Christ is the finisher as well as the author of our faith. O, that the church may awake and arise, and shaking herself from the dust of sin, put on the beautiful garments of righteousness which the Lord provides!

“Do something, do it soon, with all thy might; An angel’s wing would droop if long at rest; And God himself, inactive, were no longer blest.”

P. T. MAGAN.